04/06/2026
We had the absolute pleasure of visiting three producers of our favourite Spanish sherry style vineyards, and we are so thankful to our hosts for the experiences
Seeing techniques so steeped in tradition and largely unchanged since inception is amazing. Even the barrels are averaging 60-100 years old!
We learned so much, but most importantly that Montilla ‘generoso’s’ are neither sherry (only produced in Jerez) nor fortified! They are all produced using Pedro Ximenez grapes and the 19-21% alcohol is 100% all natural using lots and lots of time.
Ana at Alvear was a most gracious host, she provided a truly wonderful experience at Alvear, the oldest producer in Montilla, and a producer we know well as we not only love and buy lots of Alvear Vermouth, but the distinct and delicious wines and brandy are some of our favourites that we sell. She even shared some insider knowledge we can’t wait to share with you next time you’re at Matadora! Very cool to see a wine press for the sun ripened Pedro Ximenez wine making process as well.
Rafa at Perez Barquero was a wonderful host that rolled out the red carpet. He spent the time to explain the Solera wine making style in depth in a way that was engaging and approachable, and we had so much fun touring the Fino, oloroso and brandy store rooms. We got to try amazing products that we hope to get in at Matadora in the very near future, such as the 100 year Brandy (!) we tried, and the distinct and vast line up of wines and vermouth. Being the largest producer of Montilla Sherry style wines, we were in awe of the production capabilities of a wine that even the youngest needs 10-15 years of aging before release.
Finally our visit to Lustau in Jerez de la Fronterra was filled with the classic fortified wines distinct to the region! We loved touring a winery we have so much experience with, (the vermouths are Veerle’s personal favourite) and our highlight was tasting wines aged in the 3 regions of sherry triangle side by side to see the surprisingly varied differences between the wines aged in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Jerez de la Fronterra, and El Puerto de Santa Maria.
